Holy new Stoic shell.

I just bought the Vaporshell a couple weeks ago. Can someone at BC explain the difference between the two (beyond the addition of side pockets)? Thanks!

Or anyone else knowledgeable enough to provide some insight... :)

Major differences between Stash Shell and Vaporshell: 1. Fabric - Stash Shell uses a lighter weight version of our tried and true Bombshell fabric - Bombshell Lite is waterproof/breathable, soft and supple hand, able to be fully-welded, and has STRETCH! Why STRETCH? The fabric's ability to stretch allows the jacket to move with you during activity, which creates a better fit and overall comfort while wearing the jacket. Traditional hardshell materials do not stretch and have to be cut much larger in order to accomplish this effect - still not an ideal fit. Bombshell Lite offers the comfort, durability, and waterproof/breathable characteristics of our original Bombshell fabric, but in a lightweight package. 2. Construction - Stash Shell is fully-welded construction vs Vaporshell is traditional sewn and taped method. Both are waterproof constructions, but fully-welded construction again contributes to the jacket's fit and comfort as the welded seams stretch with the fabric and are not stitched into a static position like traditional method. 3. Features - Stash Shell addresses many of the suggestions collected in the Vaporshell community comments, e.g. hand pockets, internal chest pocket, fit, etc... Bombshell Lite and Vaporshell are both 3L fabrics. Both intended to be worn as shell pieces. Vaporshell gets the nod on breathability - a great option to throw in the pack as go-to weather-protection. Stash offers a good blend of performance (WPF/breathable), and also has stretch and can be fully-welded for superb fit. Can be used as ligthweight ski shell, packable option, and could be worn around town due to its superb fit and comfort.

Based on my first impressions, I would consider this to be a much more durable, full featured jacket than the Vaporshell. Miles is spot on with the Bombshell "light" designation. The face fabric feels nearly identical to the 2010/11 Bombshell. It is very soft and on the verge of being a softshell rather than a hardshell. It appears that the material may simply be a 2.5 layer version of the 3 layer Bombshell. I didn't weigh it, but I would say the specifications are accurate as it felt very light. In addition to the two side pockets, pit zips, velcro cuffs and welded seam construction, this jacket also includes an internal electronics pocket on the right chest and a fleece lined chin guard. I don't remember a wire brim on the hood even though that is a feature I was hoping Stoic would add to their light weight shells. Also, the hood has traditional cord locks instead of the foam ones that Stoic and Backcountry have been so found of over the past few years.

Thanks, guys. Sounds like the Stash is more durable and sports pockets, while the Vaporshell is more breathable. I see the hood cinchers are different as well. Probably less annoying than the foam ones on the Vaporshell.

They're made from different materials. The Vaporshell (46k) will be more breathable than the Stash (20k). Unfortunately the Vaporshell material can't be fully welded like the Stash, so it is stitched and taped. I'm not 100% positive, but I think the Stash also has slightly larger pit-zips and roomier hood. I would think of the Stash like a "light" version of the Stoic Bombshell jacket.

I just talked to one of the BC representatives and they informed me that this one is more breathable. The only other difference (other than the side pockets) is the material and the welded construction. I bought the Vaporshell a couple of weeks ago and love it.